(SPOT.ph) The servers welcome you the way the Spanish do-with a smile, as if they’re sincerely happy that you’re there, or maybe because Donosti, which exudes so much warmth, gives one no choice but to naturally be hospitable. The lights are dim, but that won’t stop you from taking in the many attention-grabbing details arranged throughout the 50-seater space: black-framed photos artfully hung on the wall, low-hanging lamps with three lightbulbs apiece, a long open bar where fancy bartending is at play.

You can’t see the smiles from here, but those servers are definitely glad to be of service.

Setas

Donosti is one of the new tapas bars that are quickly integrating themselves in Bonifacio Global City’s nightlife. The menu is classic Spanish: cold cuts like Jamon Iberico and Fuet de Vic, tortilla, gambas, and boquerones en vinagre or pickled anchovies. But there are items across the menu that go against the tide of tradition. For one, the Setas Empanadas (P300), breaded oyster mushrooms fried in extra virgin olive oil, come out of the kitchen like a bed of crisp chips surrounding a pool of aioli sauce. The effect goes beyond good flavor; like fries, they can be unconsciously addictive until the sad point when your hand meets an empty platter.

Huevos Estrellados with Chorizo

The Huevos Estrellados with Chorizo (P550), which combines several favorites in one ensemble, is the type of dish that can’t go wrong. The soft yolks of sunny side-up eggs ooze over crumbled chorizo and a nest of French fries, giving the whole dish a rich, velvety mouthfeel. It pairs well with a glass of ice-cold beer, which is San Miguel in Donosti’s case, or Spanish drinks like Mojito and Sangria.

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Albondigas (P675)

Open a little over a week, it comes as no suprise that the restaurant is already packed with guests-and this is with only half the menu currently available. Dishes like Pulpo a la Gallega (boiled octopus with pimenton, P795), Callos done the Madrileña way (P1,300), Chuletitas de Lechal (charcoal-grilled lamb chops, P1,750), Lubina a la Bilbaina (Bilbao-style Chilean seabass, P985), and roasted Spanish lamb (P7,350) are strong enough to catch interest and keep the momentum going.

Mojito and Sangria

There are a number of restaurants serving the best of what the Basque Country has to offer. Still, Donosti knows how to push its way through the crowd with its bright flavors and inviting ambience.